Polyolefin articles

ABSTRACT

A method for improving the dimensional stability of a shaped article made of a composition containing a nucleated polymeric material, which comprises adding to the polymeric material a divalent metal alcoholate of a polyhydroxy-(C 2 -C 20 alkane) before shaping.

The present invention relates to a method for improving the dimensionalstability of a shaped article made of a composition containing anucleated polymeric material.

A polymeric material, in particular a polyolefin, containing anucleating agent may crystallize at a much faster rate compared to thesame polymeric material without a nucleating agent. Such crystallizationat higher temperatures results in reduced fabrication cycle times and avariety of improvements in physical properties such as for example thebalance between stiffness and impact resistance.

It is a severe problem that nucleating agents as well as otheradditives, for example certain organic pigments, can cause considerablewarpage of a shaped article during processing (in particular moldprocessing or thermoforming) or thereafter. Anisotropic shrinkage couldlead to warpage and thus to dimensional deformation of the finalarticle.

The present invention relates in particular to a method for improvingthe dimensional stability of a shaped article made of a compositioncontaining a nucleated polymeric material, which comprises adding to thepolymeric material a divalent metal alcoholate of apolyhydroxy-(C₂-C₂₀alkane) before shaping.

A divalent metal alcoholate of a polyhydroxy-(C₂-C₂₀alkane) is anucleating agent which leads to better dimensional stability of a shapedarticle than other known nucleating agents.

Examples of polymeric materials are:

1. Polymers of monoolefins and diolefins, for example polypropylene,polyisobutylene, polybut-1-ene, poly-4-methylpent-1-ene,polyvinylcyclohexane, polyisoprene or polybutadiene, as well as polymersof cycloolefins, for instance of cyclopentene or norbornene,polyethylene (which optionally can be crosslinked), for example highdensity polyethylene (HDPE), high density and high molecular weightpolyethylene (HDPE-HMW), high density and ultrahigh molecular weightpolyethylene (HDPE-UHMW), medium density polyethylene (MDPE), lowdensity polyethylene (LDPE), linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE),(VLDPE) and (ULDPE).

2. Mixtures of the polymers mentioned under 1), for example mixtures ofpolypropylene with polyisobutylene, polypropylene with polyethylene (forexample PP/HDPE, PP/LDPE) and mixtures of different types ofpolyethylene (for example LDPE/HDPE).

3. Copolymers of monoolefins and diolefins with each other or with othervinyl monomers, for example ethylene/propylene copolymers, linear lowdensity polyethylene (LLDPE) and mixtures thereof with low densitypolyethylene (LDPE), propylene/but-1-ene copolymers,propylene/isobutylene copolymers, ethylene/but-1-ene copolymers,ethylene/hexene copolymers, ethylene/methylpentene copolymers,ethylene/heptene copolymers, ethylene/octene copolymers,ethylene/vinylcyclohexane copolymers, ethylene/cycloolefin copolymers(e.g. ethylene/norbornene like COC), ethylene/1-olefins copolymers,where the 1-olefin is generated in-situ; propylene/butadiene copolymers,isobutylene/isoprene copolymers, ethylene/vinylcyclohexene copolymers,ethylene/alkyl acrylate copolymers, ethylene/alkyl methacrylatecopolymers, ethylene/vinyl acetate copolymers or ethylene/acrylic acidcopolymers and their salts (ionomers) as well as terpolymers of ethylenewith propylene and a diene such as hexadiene, dicyclopentadiene orethylidene-norbornene; and mixtures of such copolymers with one anotherand with polymers mentioned in 1) above, for examplepolypropylene/ethylene-propylene copolymers, LDPE/ethylene-vinyl acetatecopolymers (EVA), LDPE/ethylene-acrylic acid copolymers (EAA),LLDPE/EVA, LLDPE/EAA and alternating or random polyalkylene/carbonmonoxide copolymers and mixtures thereof with other polymers, forexample polyamides.

4. Hydrocarbon resins (for example C₅-C₉) including hydrogenatedmodifications thereof (e.g. tackifiers) and mixtures of polyalkylenesand starch.

The polymeric material is preferably a polyolefin, in particular apolypropylene homopolymer or a polypropylene copolymer. Thermoplasticpolyolefin (TPO) is also of interest. Thermoplastic polyolefin is forexample a rubber-toughened polymer blend of polypropylene (PP), ethylenepropylene rubber (EPR) or ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber (EPDM)or plastomer.

The divalent metal is for example zinc, calcium, cobalt, boron,manganese, iron, magnesium, titanium or copper.

The polyhydroxy-(C₂-C₂₀alkane) is preferably polyhydroxy-(C₂-C₁₀alkane),in particular ethylene glycol (=1,2-ethanediol) or glycerol(=1,2,3-propanetriol).

According to a preferred embodiment, the alcoholate is preferably zincglycerolate.

The divalent metal alcoholate may be monomeric, oligomeric or polymeric,in particular polymeric.

The metal alcoholate is preferably a polymeric material formed by thereaction of a zinc compound and a polyhydroxy compound as described forexample in U.S. Pat. No. 5,475,123 which is incorporated by referenceherein.

The alcoholates are essentially known and commercially available or canbe prepared according to known methods as described e.g. in U.S. Pat.No. 5,475,123.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, 0.001 to5%, preferably 0.001 to 2%, 0.005 to 1%, 0.01 to 1% or 0.03 to 0.5%, ofthe alcoholate, relative to the weight of the polymeric material, areadded.

The addition of the alcoholate and optionally further conventionaladditives to the polymeric material is conveniently carried out bystandard procedures, well known to those skilled in the art, for exampleby compounding, such as mixing the prescribed components in aconventional mixer and melting and kneading the mixture with a single-or twin-screw extruder, or the like.

Examples of conventional additives which may be present in the shapedarticle are:

1. Antioxidants

1.1. Alkylated monophenols, for example2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-methylphenol, 2-tert-butyl-4,6-di-methylphenol,2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-ethylphenol, 2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-n-butylphenol,2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-isobutylphenol, 2,6-dicyclopentyl-4-methylphenol,2-(α-methylcyclohexyl)-4,6-dimethyl-phenol,2,6-dioctadecyl-4-methylphenol, 2,4,6-tricyclohexylphenol,2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-methoxymethylphenol, nonylphenols which are linearor branched in the side chains, for example 2,6-di-nonyl-4-methylphenol,2,4-dimethyl-6-(1′-methylundec-1′-yl)phenol,2,4-dimethyl-6-(1′-methylheptadec-1′-yl)phenol,2,4-dimethyl-6-(1′-methyltridec-1′-yl)phenol and mixtures thereof.

1.2. Alkylthiomethylphenols, for example2,4-dioctylthiomethyl-6-tert-butylphenol,2,4-dioctylthiomethyl-6-methylphenol,2,4-dioctylthiomethyl-6-ethylphenol,2,6-di-dodecylthiomethyl-4-nonylphenol.

1.3. Hydroquinones and alkylated hydroquinones, for example2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-methoxy-phenol, 2,5-di-tert-butylhydroquinone,2,5-di-tert-amylhydroquinone, 2,6-diphenyl-4-octadecyloxyphenol,2,6-di-tert-butylhydroquinone, 2,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyanisole,3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyanisole, 3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenylstearate, bis(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl) adipate.

1.4. Tocopherols, for example α-tocopherol, β-tocopherol, γ-tocopherol,δ-tocopherol and mixtures thereof (vitamin E).

1.5. Hydroxylated thiodiphenyl ethers, for example2,2′-thiobis(6-tert-butyl-4-methylphenol), 2,2′-thiobis(4-octylphenol),4,4′-thiobis(6-tert-butyl-3-methylphenol),4,4′-thiobis(6-tert-butyl-2-methylphenol),4,4′-thiobis(3,6-di-sec-amylphenol),4,4′-bis(2,6-dimethyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)-disulfide.

1.6. Alkylidenebisphenols, for example2,2′-methylenebis(6-tert-butyl-4-methylphenol),2,2′-methylenebis(6-tert-butyl-4-ethylphenol),2,2′-methylenebis[4-methyl-6-(α-methylcyclohexyl)-phenol],2,2′-methylenebis(4-methyl-6-cyclohexylphenol),2,2′-methylenebis(6-nonyl-4-methylphenol),2,2′-methylenebis(4,6-di-tert-butylphenol),2,2′-ethylidenebis(4,6-di-tert-butyl-phenol),2,2′-ethylidenebis(6-tert-butyl-4-isobutylphenol),2,2′-methylenebis[6-(α-methylbenzyl)-4-nonylphenol],2,2′-methylenebis[6-(α,α-dimethylbenzyl)-4-nonylphenol],4,4′-methylenebis(2,6-di-tert-butylphenol),4,4′-methylenebis(6-tert-butyl-2-methylphenol),1,1-bis(5-tert-butyl-4-hydroxy-2-methylphenyl)butane,2,6-bis(3-tert-butyl-5-methyl-2-hydroxybenzyl)-4-methylphenol,1,1,3-tris(5-tert-butyl-4-hydroxy-2-methylphenyl)butane,1,1-bis(5-tert-butyl-4-hydroxy-2-methylphenyl)-3-n-dodecylmercaptobutane,ethylene glycol bis[3,3-bis(3′-tert-butyl-4′-hydroxyphenyl)butyrate],bis(3-tert-butyl-4-hydroxy-5-methyl-phenyl)dicyclopentadiene,bis[2-(3′-tert-butyl-2′-hydroxy-5′-methylbenzyl)-6-tert-butyl-4-methylphenyl]terephthalate,1,1-bis-(3,5-dimethyl-2-hydroxyphenyl)butane,2,2-bis(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)propane,2,2-bis-(5-tert-butyl-4-hydroxy2-methylphenyl)-4-n-dodecylmercaptobutane,1,1,5,5-tetra(5-tert-butyl-4-hydroxy-2-methylphenyl)pentane.

1.7. O-, N- and S-benzyl compounds, for example3,5,3′,5′-tetra-tert-butyl-4,4′-dihydroxydibenzyl ether,octadecyl-4-hydroxy-3,5-dimethylbenzylmercaptoacetate,tridecyl-4-hydroxy-3,5-di-tert-butylbenzylmercaptoacetate,tris(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzyl)amine,bis(4-tert-butyl-3-hydroxy-2,6-dimethylbenzyl)dithioterephthalate,bis(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxy-benzyl)sulfide,isooctyl-3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzylmercaptoacetate.

1.8. Hydroxybenzylated malonates, for exampledioctadecyl-2,2-bis(3,5-di-tert-butyl-2-hydroxybenzyl)malonate,di-octadecyl-2-(3-tert-butyl-4-hydroxy-5-methylbenzyl)malonate,didodecylmercaptoethyl-2,2-bis(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzyl)malonate,bis[4-(1,1,3,3-tetramethylbutyl)phenyl]-2,2-bis(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzyl)malonate.

1.9. Aromatic hydroxybenzyl compounds, for example1,3,5-tris(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxy-benzyl)-2,4,6-trimethylbenzene,1,4-bis(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzyl)-2,3,5,6-tetramethylbenzene,2,4,6-tris(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzyl)phenol.

1.10. Triazine compounds, for example2,4-bis(octylmercapto)-6-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxy-anilino)-1,3,5-triazine,2-octylmercapto-4,6-bis(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyanilino)-1,3,5-triazine,2-octylmercapto-4,6-bis(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenoxy)-1,3,5-triazine,2,4,6-tris-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenoxy)-1,2,3-triazine,1,3,5-tris(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzyl)isocyanurate,1,3,5-tris(4-tert-butyl-3-hydroxy-2,6-dimethylbenzyl)isocyanurate,2,4,6-tris-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenylethyl)-1,3,5-triazine,1,3,5-tris(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxy-phenylpropionyl)-hexahydro-1,3,5-triazine,1,3,5-tris(3,5-dicyclohexyl-4-hydroxybenzyl)isocyanurate.

1.11. Benzylphosphonates, for exampledimethyl-2,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzylphosphonate,diethyl-3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzylphosphonate,dioctadecyl3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzylphosphonate,dioctadecyl-5-tert-butyl-4-hydroxy-3-methylbenzylphosphonate, thecalcium salt of the monoethyl ester of3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzylphosphonic acid.

1.12. Acylaminophenols, for example 4-hydroxylauranilide,4-hydroxystearanilide, octylN-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)carbamate.

1.13. Esters of β-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)propionic acid withmono- or polyhydric alcohols, e.g. with methanol, ethanol, n-octanol,i-octanol, octadecanol, 1,6-hexanediol, 1,9-nonanediol, ethylene glycol,1,2-propanediol, neopentyl glycol, thiodiethylene glycol, diethyleneglycol, triethylene glycol, pentaerythritol,tris(hydroxyethyl)isocyanurate, N,N′-bis(hydroxyethyl)oxamide,3-thiaundecanol, 3-thiapentadecanol, trimethylhexanediol,trimethylol-propane,4-hydroxymethyl-1-phospha-2,6,7-trioxabicyclo[2.2.2]octane.

1.14. Esters of β-(5-tert-butyl-4-hydroxy-3-methylphenyl)propionic acidwith mono- or polyhydric alcohols, e.g. with methanol, ethanol,n-octanol, i-octanol, octadecanol, 1,6-hexanediol, 1,9-nonanediol,ethylene glycol, 1,2-propanediol, neopentyl glycol, thiodiethyleneglycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, pentaerythritol,tris(hydroxyethyl)isocyanurate, N,N′-bis-(hydroxyethyl)oxamide,3-thiaundecanol, 3-thiapentadecanol, trimethylhexanediol,trimethylolpropane,4-hydroxymethyl-1-phospha-2,6,7-trioxabicyclo[2.2.2]octane;3,9-bis[2-{3-(3-tert-butyl-4-hydroxy-5-methylphenyl)propionyloxy}-1,1-dimethylethyl]-2,4,8,10-tetraoxaspiro[5.5]-undecane.

1.15. Esters of β-(3,5-dicyclohexyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)propionic acid withmono- or polyhydric alcohols, e.g. with methanol, ethanol, octanol,octadecanol, 1,6-hexanediol, 1,9-nonanediol, ethylene glycol,1,2-propanediol, neopentyl glycol, thiodiethylene glycol, diethyleneglycol, triethylene glycol, pentaerythritol,tris(hydroxyethyl)isocyanurate, N,N′-bis(hydroxyethyl)oxamide,3-thiaundecanol, 3-thiapentadecanol, trimethylhexanediol,trimethylolpropane,4-hydroxymethyl-1-phospha-2,6,7-trioxabicyclo[2.2.2]octane.

1.16. Esters of 3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl acetic acid with mono-or polyhydric alcohols, e.g. with methanol, ethanol, octanol,octadecanol, 1,6-hexanediol, 1,9-nonanediol, ethylene glycol,1,2-propanediol, neopentyl glycol, thiodiethylene glycol, diethyleneglycol, triethylene glycol, pentaerythritol,tris(hydroxyethyl)isocyanurate, N,N′-bis(hydroxyethyl)oxamide,3-thiaundecanol, 3-thiapentadecanol, trimethylhexanediol,trimethylolpropane,4-hydroxymethyl-1-phospha-2,6,7-trioxabicyclo[2.2.2]octane.

1.17. Amides of β-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)propionic acid e.g.N,N′-bis(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenylpropionyl)hexamethylenediamide,N,N′-bis(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxy-phenylpropionyl)trimethylenediamide,N,N′-bis(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenylpropionyl)hydrazide,N,N′-bis[2-(3-[3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl]propionyloxy)ethyl]oxamide(Naugard®XL-1, supplied by Uniroyal).

1.18. Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C)

1.19. Aminic antioxidants, for exampleN,N′-di-isopropyl-p-phenylenediamine,N,N′-di-sec-butyl-p-phenylenediamine,N,N′-bis(1,4-dimethylpentyl)-p-phenylenediamine,N,N′-bis(1-ethyl-3-methylpentyl)-p-phenylenediamine,N,N′-bis(1-methylheptyl)-p-phenylenediamine,N,N′-dicyclohexyl-p-phenylenediamine, N,N′-diphenyl-p-phenylenediamine,N,N′-bis(2-naphthyl)-p-phenylenediamine,N-isopropyl-N′-phenyl-p-phenylenediamine,N-(1,3-dimethylbutyl)-N′-phenyl-p-phenylenediamine,N-(1-methylheptyl)-N′-phenyl-p-phenylenediamine,N-cyclohexyl-N′-phenyl-p-phenylenediamine,4-(p-toluenesulfamoyl)diphenylamine,N,N′-dimethyl-N,N′-di-sec-butyl-p-phenylenediamine, diphenylamine,N-allyldiphenylamine, 4-isopropoxydiphenylamine,N-phenyl-1-naphthylamine, N-(4-tert-octylphenyl)-1-naphthylamine,N-phenyl-2-naphthylamine, octylated diphenylamine, for examplep,p′-di-tert-octyldiphenylamine, 4-n-butyl-aminophenol,4-butyrylaminophenol, 4-nonanoylaminophenol, 4-dodecanoylaminophenol,4-octadecanoylaminophenol, bis(4-methoxyphenyl)amine,2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-dimethylaminomethylphenol,2,4′-diaminodiphenylmethane, 4,4′-diaminodiphenylmethane,N,N,N′,N′-tetra-methyl-4,4′-diaminodiphenylmethane,1,2-bis[(2-methylphenyl)amino]ethane, 1,2-bis(phenyl-amino)propane,(o-tolyl)biguanide, bis[4-(1′,3′-dimethylbutyl)phenyl]amine,tert-octylated N-phenyl-1-naphthylamine, a mixture of mono- anddialkylated tert-butyl/tert-octyldiphenylamines, a mixture of mono- anddialkylated nonyldiphenylamines, a mixture of mono- and dialkylateddodecyldiphenylamines, a mixture of mono- and dialkylatedisopropyl/isohexyldiphenylamines, a mixture of mono- and dialkylatedtert-butyldiphenylamines, 2,3-dihydro-3,3-dimethyl-4H-1,4-benzothiazine,phenothiazine, a mixture of mono- and dialkylatedtert-butyl/tert-octylphenothiazines, a mixture of mono- and dialkylatedtert-octylphenothiazines, N-allylphenothiazine,N,N,N′,N′-tetraphenyl-1,4-diaminobut-2-ene,N,N-bis(2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperid-4-yl-hexamethylenediamine,bis(2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperid-4-yl)sebacate,2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidin-4-one, 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidin-4-ol.

2. UV Absorbers and Light Stabilisers

2.1. 2-(2′-Hydroxyphenyl)benzotriazoles, for example2-(2′-hydroxy-5′-methylphenyl)benzotriazole,2-(3′,5′-di-tert-butyl-2′-hydroxyphenyl)benzotriazole,2-(5′-tert-butyl-2′-hydroxyphenyl)benzotriazole,2-(2′-hydroxy-5′-(1,1,3,3-tetramethylbutyl)phenyl)benzotriazole,2-(3′,5′-di-tert-butyl-2′-hydroxyphenyl)-5-chlorobenzotriazole,2-(3′-tert-butyl-2′-hydroxy-5′-methylphenyl)-5-chlorobenzotriazole,2-(3′-sec-butyl-5′-tert-butyl-2′-hydroxyphenyl)benzotriazole,2-(2′-hydroxy-4′-octyloxyphenyl)benzotriazole,2-(3′,5′-di-tert-amyl-2′-hydroxyphenyl)benzotriazole,2-(3′,5′-bis(α,α-dimethylbenzyl)-2′-hydroxyphenyl)benzotriazole,2-(3′-tert-butyl-2′-hydroxy-5′-(2-octyloxycarbonylethyl)phenyl)-5-chlorobenzotriazole,2-(3′-tert-butyl-5′-[2-(2-ethylhexyloxy)carbonylethyl]-2′-hydroxyphenyl)-5-chlorobenzotriazole,2-(3′-tert-butyl-2′-hydroxy-5′-(2-methoxycarbonylethyl)phenyl)-5-chlorobenzotriazole,2-(3′-tert-butyl-2′-hydroxy-5′-(2-methoxycarbonylethyl)phenyl)benzotriazole,2-(3′-tert-butyl-2′-hydroxy-5′-(2-octyloxycarbonylethyl)phenyl)benzotriazole,2-(3′-tert-butyl-5′-[2-(2-ethylhexyloxy)carbonylethyl]-2′-hydroxy-phenyl)benzotriazole,2-(3′-dodecyl-2′-hydroxy-5′-methylphenyl)benzotriazole,2-(3′-tert-butyl-2′-hydroxy-5′-(2-isooctyloxycarbonylethyl)phenylbenzotriazole,2,2′-methylenebis[4-(1,1,3,3-tetramethylbutyl)-6-benzotriazole-2-ylphenol];the transesterification product of2-[3′-tert-butyl-5′-(2-methoxycarbonylethyl)-2′-hydroxyphenyl]-2H-benzotriazolewith polyethylene glycol 300; [R—CH₂CH₂—COO—CH₂CH₂

₂, where R=3′-tert-butyl-4′-hydroxy-5′-2H-benzotriazol-2-ylphenyl,2-[2′-hydroxy-3′-(α,α-dimethylbenzyl)-5′-(1,1,3,3-tetramethylbutyl)phenyl]-benzotriazole;2-[2′-hydroxy-3′-(1,1,3,3-tetramethylbutyl)-5′-(α,α-dimethylbenzyl)phenyl]benzotriazole.

2.2. 2-Hydroxybenzophenones, for example the 4-hydroxy, 4-methoxy,4-octyloxy, 4-decyloxy, 4-dodecyloxy, 4-benzyloxy, 4,2′,4′-trihydroxyand 2′-hydroxy-4,4′-dimethoxy derivatives.

2.3. Esters of substituted and unsubstituted benzoic acids, for example4-tert-butylphenyl salicylate, phenyl salicylate, octylphenylsalicylate, dibenzoyl resorcinol, bis(4-tert-butylbenzoyl)resorcinol,benzoyl resorcinol, 2,4-di-tert-butylphenyl3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzoate, hexadecyl3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzoate, octadecyl3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzoate, 2-methyl-4,6-di-tert-butyl phenyl3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzoate.

2.4. Acrylates, for example ethyl α-cyano-β,β-diphenylacrylate, isooctylα-cyano-β,β-diphenylacrylate, methyl α-carbomethoxycinnamate, methylα-cyano-β-methyl-p-methoxycinnamate, butylα-cyano-β-methyl-p-methoxycinnamate, methylα-carbomethoxy-p-methoxycinnamate andN-(β-carbomethoxy-β-cyanovinyl)-2-methylindoline.

2.5. Nickel compounds, for example nickel complexes of2,2′-thiobis[4-(1,1,3,3-tetramethylbutyl)phenol], such as the 1:1 or 1:2complex, with or without additional ligands such as n-butylamine,triethanolamine or N-cyclohexyldiethanolamine, nickeldibutyldithiocarbamate, nickel salts of the monoalkyl esters, e.g. themethyl or ethyl ester, of 4-hydroxy-3,5-di-tertbutylbenzylphosphonicacid, nickel complexes of ketoximes, e.g. of2-hydroxy-4-methylphenylundecylketoxime, nickel complexes of1-phenyl-4-lauroyl-5-hydroxypyrazole, with or without additionalligands.

2.6. Sterically hindered amines, for examplebis(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidyl)sebacate,bis(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidyl)succinate,bis(1,2,2,6,6-pentamethyl-4-piperidyl)sebacate,bis(1-octyloxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidyl)sebacate,bis(1,2,2,6,6-pentamethyl-4-piperidyl)n-butyl-3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzylmalonate, the condensate of1-(2-hydroxyethyl)-2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-hydroxypiperidine and succinicacid, linear or cyclic condensates ofN,N′-bis(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidyl)hexamethylenediamine and4-tert-octylamino-2,6-di-chloro-1,3,5-triazine,tris(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidyl)nitrilotriacetate,tetrakis(2,2,6,6-tetra-methyl-4-piperidyl)-1,2,3,4-butanetetracarboxylate,1,1′-(1,2-ethanediyl)-bis(3,3,5,5-tetramethylpiperazinone),4-benzoyl-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine,4-stearyloxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine,bis(1,2,2,6,6-pentamethylpiperidyl)-2-n-butyl-2-(2-hydroxy-3,5-di-tert-butylbenzyl)-malonate,3-n-octyl-7,7,9,9-tetramethyl-1,3,8-triazaspiro[4.5]decane-2,4-dione,bis(1-octyl-oxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethyl piperidyl)sebacate,bis(1-octyloxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidyl)succinate, linear or cycliccondensates ofN,N′-bis(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidyl)hexamethylenediamine and4-morpholino-2,6-dichloro-1,3,5-triazine, the condensate of2-chloro-4,6-bis(4-n-butylamino-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidyl)-1,3,5-triazineand 1,2-bis(3-aminopropylamino)-ethane, the condensate of2-chloro-4,6-di-(4-n-butylamino-1,2,2,6,6-pentamethylpiperidyl)-1,3,5-triazineand 1,2-bis(3-aminopropylamino)ethane,8-acetyl-3-dodecyl-7,7,9,9-tetramethyl-1,3,8-triazaspiro[4.5]decane-2,4-dione,3-dodecyl-1-(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidyl)pyrrolidine-2,5-dione,3-dodecyl-1-(1,2,2,6,6-pentamethyl-4-piperidyl)pyrrolidine-2,5-dione, amixture of 4-hexadecyloxy- and4-stearyloxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine, a condensate ofN,N′-bis(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidyl)hexamethylenediamine and4-cyclohexylamino-2,6-dichloro-1,3,5-triazine, a condensate of1,2-bis(3-aminopropylamino)ethane and 2,4,6-trichloro-1,3,5-triazine aswell as 4-butylamino-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine (CAS Reg. No.[136504-96-6]); a condensate of 1,6-hexanediamine and2,4,6-trichloro-1,3,5-triazine as well as N,N-dibutylamine and4-butylamino-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine (CAS Reg. No. [192268-64-7]);N-(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidyl)-n-dodecylsuccinimide,N-(1,2,2,6,6-pentamethyl-4-piperidyl)-n-dodecylsuccinimide,2-undecyl-7,7,9,9-tetramethyl-1-oxa-3,8-diaza-4-oxo-spiro[4,5]decane, areaction product of7,7,9,9-tetramethyl-2-cycloundecyl-1-oxa-3,8-diaza-4-oxospiro-[4,5]decaneand epichlorohydrin,1,1-bis(1,2,2,6,6-pentamethyl-4-piperidyloxycarbonyl)-2-(4-methoxyphenyl)ethene,N,N′-bis-formyl-N,N′-bis(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidyl)hexamethylenediamine,a diester of 4-methoxymethylenemalonic acid with1,2,2,6,6-pentamethyl-4-hydroxypiperidine,poly[methylpropyl-3-oxy-4-(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidyl)]siloxane, areaction product of maleic acid anhydride-α-olefin copolymer with2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-aminopiperidine or1,2,2,6,6-pentamethyl-4-aminopiperidine.

2.7. Oxamides, for example 4,4′-dioctyloxyoxanilide,2,2′-diethoxyoxanilide, 2,2′-dioctyloxy-5,5′-di-tert-butoxanilide,2,2′-didodecyloxy-5,5′-di-tert-butoxanilide, 2-ethoxy-2′-ethyloxanilide,N,N′-bis(3-dimethylaminopropyl)oxamide,2-ethoxy-5-tert-butyl-2′-ethoxanilide and its mixture with2-ethoxy-2′-ethyl-5,4′-di-tert-butoxanilide, mixtures of o- andp-methoxy-disubstituted oxanilides and mixtures of o- andp-ethoxy-disubstituted oxanilides.

2.8. 2-(2-Hydroxyphenyl)-1,3,5-triazines, for example2,4,6-tris(2-hydroxy-4-octyloxyphenyl)-1,3,5-triazine,2-(2-hydroxy-4-octyloxyphenyl)-4,6-bis(2,4-dimethylphenyl)-1,3,5-triazine,2-(2,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-4,6-bis(2,4-dimethylphenyl)-1,3,5-triazine,2,4-bis(2-hydroxy-4-propyloxyphenyl)-6-(2,4-dimethylphenyl)-1,3,5-triazine,2-(2-hydroxy-4-octyloxyphenyl)-4,6-bis(4-methylphenyl)-1,3,5-triazine,2-(2-hydroxy-4-dodecyloxyphenyl)-4,6-bis(2,4-dimethylphenyl)-1,3,5-triazine,2-(2-hydroxy-4-tridecyloxyphenyl)-4,6-bis(2,4-dimethylphenyl)-1,3,5-triazine,2-[2-hydroxy-4-(2-hydroxy-3-butyloxypropoxy)phenyl]-4,6-bis(2,4-dimethyl)-1,3,5-triazine,2-[2-hydroxy-4-(2-hydroxy-3-octyloxypropyloxy)phenyl]-4,6-bis(2,4-dimethyl)-1,3,5-triazine,2-[4-(dodecyloxy/tridecyloxy-2-hydroxypropoxy)-2-hydroxyphenyl]-4,6-bis(2,4-dimethylphenyl)-1,3,5-triazine,2-[2-hydroxy-4-(2-hydroxy-3-dodecyloxypropoxy)phenyl]-4,6-bis(2,4-dimethylphenyl)-1,3,5-triazine,2-(2-hydroxy-4-hexyloxy)phenyl-4,6-diphenyl-1,3,5-triazine,2-(2-hydroxy-4-methoxyphenyl)-4,6-diphenyl-1,3,5-triazine,2,4,6-tris[2-hydroxy-4-(3-butoxy-2-hydroxypropoxy)phenyl]-1,3,5-triazine,2-(2-hydroxyphenyl)-4-(4-methoxyphenyl)-6-phenyl-1,3,5-triazine,2-{2-hydroxy-4-[3-(2-ethylhexyl-1-oxy)-2-hydroxypropyloxy]phenyl}-4,6-bis(2,4-dimethylphenyl)-1,3,5-triazine.

3. Metal deactivators, for example N,N′-diphenyloxamide,N-salicylal-N′-salicyloyl hydrazine, N,N′-bis(salicyloyl)hydrazine,N,N′-bis(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenylpropionyl)hydrazine,3-salicyloylamino-1,2,4-triazole, bis(benzylidene)oxalyl dihydrazide,oxanilide, isophthaloyl dihydrazide, sebacoyl bisphenylhydrazide,N,N′-diacetyladipoyl dihydrazide, N N′-bis(salicyloyl)oxalyldihydrazide, N,N′-bis(salicyloyl)thiopropionyl dihydrazide.

4. Phosphites and phosphonites, for example triphenyl phosphite,diphenylalkyl phosphites, phenyidialkyl phosphites, tris(nonylphenyl)phosphite, trilauryl phosphite, trioctadecyl phosphite,distearylpentaerythritol diphosphite, tris(2,4-di-tert-butylphenyl)phosphite, diisodecyl pentaerythritol diphosphite,bis(2,4-di-tert-butylphenyl)pentaerythritol diphosphite,bis(2,4-di-cumylphenyl)pentaerythritol diphosphite,bis(2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-methylphenyl)pentaerythritol diphosphite,diisodecyloxypentaerythritol diphosphite,bis(2,4-di-tert-butyl-6-methylphenyl)-pentaerythritol diphosphite,bis(2,4,6-tris(tert-butylphenyl)pentaerythritol diphosphite, tristearylsorbitol triphosphite, tetrakis(2,4-di-tert-butylphenyl)4,4′-biphenylene diphosphonite,6-isooctyloxy-2,4,8,10-tetra-tert-butyl-12H-dibenz[d,g]-1,3,2-dioxaphosphocin,bis(2,4-di-tert-butyl-6-methylphenyl)methyl phosphite,bis(2,4-di-tert-butyl-6-methylphenyl)ethyl phosphite,6-fluoro-2,4,8,10-tetra-tert-butyl-12-methyl-dibenz[d,g]-1,3,2-dioxaphosphocin,2,2′,2″-nitrilo-[triethyltris(3,3′,5,5′-tetra-tert-butyl-1,1′-biphenyl-2,2′-diyl)phosphite]2-ethylhexyl(3,3′,5,5′-tetra-tert-butyl-1,1′-biphenyl-2,2′-diyl)phosphite,5-butyl-5-ethyl-2-(2,4,6-tri-tert-butylphenoxy)-1,3,2-dioxaphosphirane.

The following phosphites are especially preferred:

Tris(2,4-di-tert-butylphenyl) phosphite (Irgafos®168, Ciba-Geigy),tris(nonylphenyl) phosphite,

5. Hydroxylamines, for example N,N-dibenzylhydroxylamine,N,N-diethylhydroxylamine, N,N-dioctylhydroxylamine,N,N-dilaurylhydroxylamine, N,N-ditetradecylhydroxylamine,N,N-dihexadecylhydroxylamine, N,N-dioctadecyl hydroxylamine,N-hexadecyl-N-octadecylhydroxylamine,N-heptadecyl-N-octadecylhydroxylamine, N,N-dialkylhydroxylamine derivedfrom hydrogenated tallow amine.

6. Nitrones, for example N-benzyl-alpha-phenyinitrone,N-ethyl-alpha-methylnitrone, N-octyl-alpha-heptylnitrone,N-lauryl-alpha-undecylnitrone, N-tetradecyl-alpha-tridecylnitrone,N-hexadecyl-alpha-pentadecylnitrone,N-octadecyl-alpha-heptadecylnitrone,N-hexadecyl-alpha-heptadecylnitrone,N-ocatadecyl-alpha-pentadecylnitrone,N-heptadecyl-alpha-heptadecylnitrone,N-octadecyl-alpha-hexadecylnitrone, nitrone derived fromN,N-dialkylhydroxylamine derived from hydrogenated tallow amine.

7. Thiosynergists, for example dilauryl thiodipropionate or distearylthiodipropionate.

8. Peroxide scavengers, for example esters of β-thiodipropionic acid,for example the lauryl, stearyl, myristyl or tridecyl esters,mercaptobenzimidazole or the zinc salt of 2-mercapto-benzimidazole, zincdibutyldithiocarbamate, dioctadecyl disulfide, pentaerythritoltetrakis(β-dodecylmercapto)propionate.

9. Polyamide stabilisers, for example copper salts in combination withiodides and/or phosphorus compounds and salts of divalent manganese.

10. Basic co-stabilisers, for example melamine, polyvinylpyrrolidone,dicyandiamide, triallyl cyanurate, urea derivatives, hydrazinederivatives, amines, polyamides, polyurethanes, alkali metal salts andalkaline earth metal salts of higher fatty acids, for example calciumstearate, zinc stearate, magnesium behenate, magnesium stearate, sodiumricinoleate and potassium palmitate, antimony pyrocatecholate or zincpyrocatecholate.

11. Nucleating agents, for example inorganic substances, such as talcum,metal oxides, such as titanium dioxide or magnesium oxide, phosphates,carbonates or sulfates of, preferably, alkaline earth metals; organiccompounds, such as mono- or polycarboxylic acids and the salts thereof,e.g. 4-tert-butylbenzoic acid, adipic acid, diphenylacetic acid, sodiumsuccinate or sodium benzoate; polymeric compounds, such as ioniccopolymers (ionomers). Especially preferred are1,3:2,4-bis(3′,4′-dimethylbenzylidene)sorbitol,1,3:2,4-di(paramethyidibenzylidene)sorbitol, and1,3:2,4-di(benzylidene)sorbitol.

12. Fillers and reinforcing agents, for example calcium carbonate,silicates, glass fibres, glass bulbs, asbestos, talc, kaolin, mica,barium sulfate, metal oxides and hydroxides, carbon black, graphite,wood flour and flours or fibers of other natural products, syntheticfibers.

12a. Nanocomposites.

13. Other additives, for example plasticisers, lubricants, emulsifiers,pigments, rheology additives, catalysts, flow-control agents, opticalbrighteners, flameproofing agents, antistatic agents and blowing agents.

14. Benzofuranones and indolinones, for example those disclosed in U.S.Pat. Nos. 4,325,863; 4,338,244; 5,175,312; 5,216,052; 5,252,643;DE-A-4316611; DE-A-4316622; DE-A-4316876; EP-A-0589839 or EP-A-0591102or 3-[4-(2-acetoxyethoxy)-phenyl]-5,7-di-tert-butylbenzofuran-2-one,5,7-di-tert-butyl-3-[4-(2-stearoyloxyethoxy)phenyl]-benzofuran-2-one,3,3′-bis[5,7-di-tert-butyl-3-(4-[2-hydroxyethoxy]phenyl)benzofuran-2-one],5,7-di-tert-butyl-3-(4-ethoxyphenyl)benzofuran-2-one,3-(4-acetoxy-3,5-dimethylphenyl)-5,7-di-tert-butylbenzofuran-2-one,3-(3,5-dimethyl-4-pivaloyloxyphenyl)-5,7-di-tert-butylbenzofuran-2-one,3-(3,4-dimethylphenyl)-5,7-di-tert-butylbenzofuran-2-one,3-(2,3-dimethylphenyl)-5,7-di-tert-butyl benzofuran-2-one.

The weight ratio of the alcoholate to the conventional additive ispreferably 1:100 to 100: 1, for example 1:90 to 90:1, 1:80 to 80:1, 1:70to 70:1, 1:60 to 60:1, 1:50 to 50:1, 1:40 to 40:1, 1:30 to 30:1, 1:20 to20:1, 1:10 to 10:1, 1:5 to 5:1, 1:4 to 4:1, 1:3 to 3:1, 1:2 to 2:1 or1:1.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, thepolymeric material additionally contains an organic pigment.

Examples of shaped articles are:

I-1) Floating devices, marine applications, kayaks and oars.

I-2) Automotive applications, in particular bumpers, dashboards,battery, rear and front linings, moldings parts under the hood, hatshelf, trunk linings, interior linings, air bag covers, electronicmoldings for fittings (lights), panes for dashboards, headlamp glass,instrument panel, exterior linings, upholstery, automotive lights, headlights, parking lights, rear lights, stop lights, interior and exteriortrims; door panels; gas tank; glazing front side; rear windows; seatbacking, exterior panels, wire insulation, profile extrusion forsealing, cladding, pillar covers, chassis parts, fuel filter/filler,fuel pumps, fuel tank, body side mouldings, convertible tops, exteriormirrors, exterior trim, fasteners/fixings, front end module, hinges,lock systems, luggage/roof racks, pressed/stamped parts, seals, sideimpact protection, sound deadener/insulator and sunroof.

I-3) Road traffic devices, in particular car accessories, warningtriangles, medical cases.

I-4) Devices for plane, railway, motor car (car, motorbike) includingfurnishings.

I-5) Devices for space applications, in particular rockets andsatellites.

I-6) Devices for architecture and design, mining applications, acousticquietized systems, street refuges, and shelters.

II-1) Appliances, cases and coverings in general and electric/electronicdevices (personal computer, telephone, portable phone, printer,television-sets, audio and video devices), flower pots, satellite TVbowl, and panel devices.

II-2) Jacketing for other materials such as steel or textiles.

II-3) Devices for the electronic industry, in particular insulation forplugs, especially computer plugs, cases for electric and electronicparts, printed boards, and materials for electronic data storage such aschips, check cards or credit cards.

II-4) Electric appliances, in particular washing machines, tumblers,ovens (microwave oven), dish-washers, mixers, and irons.

II-5) Covers for lights (e.g. street-lights, lamp-shades).

II-6) Applications in wire and cable (semi-conductor, insulation andcable-jacketing).

II-7) Foils for condensers, refrigerators, heating devices, airconditioners, encapsulating of electronics, semi-conductors, coffeemachines, and vacuum cleaners.

III-1) Technical articles such as cogwheel (gear), slide fittings,spacers, screws, bolts, handles, and knobs.

III-2) Rotor blades, ventilators and windmill vanes, solar devices,swimming pools, swimming pool covers, pool liners, pond liners, closets,wardrobes, dividing walls, slat walls, folding walls, roofs, shutters(e.g. roller shutters), fittings, connections between pipes, sleeves,and conveyor belts.

III-3) Sanitary articles, in particular shower cubicles, lavatory seats,covers, and sinks.

III-4) Hygienic articles, in particular diapers (babies, adultincontinence), feminine hygiene articles, shower curtains, brushes,mats, tubs, mobile toilets, tooth brushes, and bed pans.

III-5) Pipes (cross-linked or not) for water, waste water and chemicals,pipes for wire and cable protection, pipes for gas, oil and sewage,guttering, down pipes, and drainage systems.

III-6) Profiles of any geometry (window panes) and siding.

III-7) Glass substitutes, in particular extruded plates, glazing forbuildings (monolithic, twin or multiwall), aircraft, schools, extrudedsheets, window film for architectural glazing, train, transportation,sanitary articles, and greenhouse.

III-8) Plates (walls, cutting board), extrusion-coating (photographicpaper, tetrapack and pipe coating), silos, wood substitute, plasticlumber, wood composites, walls, surfaces, furniture, decorative foil,floor coverings (interior and exterior applications), flooring, duckboards, and tiles.

III-9) Intake and outlet manifolds.

III-10) Hand rails, banisters, kitchen work tops, roofing, roofingsheets, tiles, and tarpaulins.

IV-1) Plates (walls and cutting board), trays, artificial grass,astroturf, artificial covering for stadium rings (athletics), artificialfloor for stadium rings (athletics), and tapes.

IV-2) Woven fabrics continuous and staple, fibers (carpets/hygienicarticles/geotextiles/monofilaments; filters; wipes/curtains(shades)/medical applications), bulk fibers (applications such asgown/protection clothes), nets, ropes, cables, strings, cords, threads,safety seat-belts, clothes, underwear, gloves; boots; rubber boots,intimate apparel, garments, swimwear, sportswear, umbrellas (parasol,sunshade), parachutes, paraglides, sails, “balloon-silk”, campingarticles, tents, airbeds, sun beds, bulk bags, and bags.

IV-3) Membranes, insulation, covers and seals for roofs, tunnels, dumps,ponds, dumps, walls roofing membranes, geomembranes, swimming pools,curtains (shades)/sun-shields, awnings, canopies, wallpaper, foodpacking and wrapping (flexible and solid), medical packaging (flexible &solid), airbags/safety belts, arm- and head rests, carpets, centreconsole, dashboard, cockpits, door, overhead console module, door trim,headliners, interior lighting, interior mirrors, parcel shelf, rearluggage cover, seats, steering column, steering wheel, textiles, andtrunk trim.

V) Films (packaging, dump, laminating, agriculture and horticulture,greenhouse, mulch, tunnel, silage), bale wrap, swimming pools, wastebags, wallpaper, stretch film, raffia, desalination film, batteries, andconnectors.

VI-1) Food packing and wrapping (flexible and solid), BOPP, BOPET,bottles.

VI-2) Storage systems such as boxes (crates), luggage, chest, householdboxes, pallets, shelves, tracks, screw boxes, packs, and cans.

VI-3) Cartridges, syringes, medical applications, containers for anytransportation, waste baskets and waste bins, waste bags, bins, dustbins, bin liners, wheely bins, container in general, tanks forwater/used water/chemistry/gas/oil/gasoline/diesel; tank liners, boxes,crates, battery cases, troughs, medical devices such as piston,ophthalmic applications, diagnostic devices, and packing forpharmaceuticals blister.

VII-1) Extrusion coating (photo paper, tetrapack, pipe coating),household articles of any kind (e.g. appliances, thermos bottle/clotheshanger), fastening systems such as plugs, wire and cable clamps,zippers, closures, locks, and snap-closures.

VII-2) Support devices, articles for the leisure time such as sports andfitness devices, gymnastics mats, ski-boots, inline-skates, skis, bigfoot, athletic surfaces (e.g. tennis grounds); screw tops, tops andstoppers for bottles, and cans.

VII-3) Furniture in general, foamed articles (cushions, impactabsorbers), foams, sponges, dish clothes, mats, garden chairs, stadiumseats, tables, couches, toys, building kits (boards/figures/balls),playhouses, slides, and play vehicles.

VII-4) Materials for optical and magnetic data storage.

VII-5) Kitchen ware (eating, drinking, cooking, storing).

VII-6) Boxes for CD's, cassettes and video tapes; DVD electronicarticles, office supplies of any kind (ball-point pens, stamps andink-pads, mouse, shelves, tracks), bottles of any volume and content(drinks, detergents, cosmetics including perfumes), and adhesive tapes.

VII-7) Footwear (shoes/shoe-soles), insoles, spats, adhesives,structural adhesives, food boxes (fruit, vegetables, meat, fish),synthetic paper, labels for bottles, couches, artificial joints (human),printing plates (flexographic), printed circuit boards, and displaytechnologies.

VII-8) Devices of filled polymers (talc, chalk, china clay (kaolin),wollastonite, pigments, carbon black, TiO₂, mica, nanocomposites,dolomite, silicates, glass, asbestos).

The shaped article is preferably a sheet, fiber, profile, pipe, bottle,tank or container. Crates, electrical appliances, kitchen ware, foodcontainers, drink bottles, garden furniture, washing machine componentsand automotive parts are also of interest.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, theshaping is carried out by molding or thermoforming.

The molding is in particular effected by injection, blow, compression,roto-molding or extrusion; all well known in the art. Injection moldingis particularly preferred.

The following examples describe the present invention in more detail.All parts and percentages are given by weight unless indicatedotherwise.

EXAMPLES 1 AND 2

Medium impact polypropylene copolymer (Melt flow rate (MFR)=35 g/10 minat 230° C. and 2.16 kg; Profax SB891 (RTM)) is mixed with theadditiv(es) indicated in Table 1 in a high speed mixer (Henschel FM A10(RTM)) for 2 min at room temperature and 200 rpm. Subsequently, theobtained polymer is extruded in a Berstorff ZE (RTM) twin-screw extruderwith standard Barrier screws 46D (Profile temperatures from entrance todie: 150-160-180-200-210-220-220-220° C.).

The extrudate is molded into plates by injection on a Milacron FM60(RTM) machine at 250° C. and 30° C. mold temperature.

For termination of the shrinkage and the post process relaxation, theplates obtained are first aged either at room temperature for at leasttwo days or, as an alternative, in a hot water bath for 30 min at 90° C.and then 24 h under standard atmosphere conditions.

A measure of the shrinkage are the ΔL and ΔW values as defined below.ΔL: Length shrinkage in 0/00=[L(plate)−L(mould)]/L(mould)×1000ΔW: Width shrinkage in 0/00=[W(plate)−W(mould)]/W(mould)×1000“mould” means the metal cavity which is used to form the plate.

The results are shown in Table 1.

TABLE 1 Example Additv(es) ΔL ΔW None −12.87 2.00 0.20% of PY110 −12.40−2.14 1 0.10% of Zn glycerolate −14.56 −0.51 2 0.20% of PY110 + 0.10% ofZn glycerolate −14.26 −0.67 PY110: Color Index: Pigment yellow 110(Isoindolinone), CROMOPHTAL Yellow 3RLP.

The results shown in Table 1 reveal that in the presence of Znglycerolate the complete shrinkage is considerably reduced due to theexcellent ΔW values. This improvement is also obtained when an organicpigment is present. Organic pigments are known to influence the warping.Thus, the plates containing Zn glycerolate have an outstandingdimensional stability.

1. A shaped polymer article substantially resistant against anisotropicshrinkage, which article comprises a polymeric material and an effectiveamount of a divalent metal alcoholate of a polyhydroxy-(C₂-C₂₀alkane),which article is a crate, an electrical appliance, kitchen ware, a foodcontainer, a drink bottle, garden furniture, a washing machine componentor an automotive part.
 2. A polymer article according to claim 1,wherein the divalent metal is zinc, calcium, cobalt, boron, manganese,iron, magnesium, titanium or copper.
 3. A polymer article according toclaim 1, wherein the polyhydroxy-(C₂-C₂₀alkane) is ethylene glycol(1,2-ethanediol) or glycerol (1,2,3-propanetriol).
 4. A polymer articleaccording to claim 1, wherein the alcoholate is zinc glycerolate.
 5. Apolymer article according to claim 1, wherein 0.01 to 5%, relative tothe weight of the polymeric material, of the alcoholate are present. 6.A polymer article according to claim 1, wherein the polymeric materialis a polyolefin.
 7. A polymer article according to claim 1, wherein thepolymeric material is a polypropylene homopolymer or a polypropylenecopolymer.
 8. A polymer article according to claim 1, further comprisingone or more conventional additives.
 9. A polymer article according toclaim 1, further comprising an organic pigment.
 10. A method forimproving the dimensional stability of a shaped article made of acomposition containing a nucleated polymeric material, which methodcomprises adding to a polymeric material a divalent metal alcoholate ofa polyhydroxy-(C₂-C₂₀alkane) and an organic pigment before shaping.